Musharraf to be tried for treason: Sharif

ISLAMABAD (PAN): Pakistan’s new government indicated on Monday its intention to file a high treason case in the Supreme Court against former military ruler General (R) Pervez Musharraf.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, speaking in the National Assembly, said the ex-president had committed treason by abrogating the constitution and he should be tried under Article 6 of the constitution.

If convicted, the erstwhile dictator can face a possible death penalty or life imprisonment. He will also be tried for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the basic law.

Also on Monday, Attorney General Munir A. Malik submitted his response to the apex court and said the procedure of setting Musharraf on trial under Article 6 had been set in motion.

Opposition leader Khurshid Shah hailed the prime minister's speech, demanding the removal of all past dictators should from the parliament.

Separately, Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmed Raza Khan Kasuri asked the government to focus on its 90-day ‘honeymoon period’ and addressing public concerns like the provision of electricity, jobs and security.